Heaven rewards diligence: Survive until you reach immortality in the newbie village!

Wang Laoshuan was stunned, the villagers were stunned, and even Xiuer's eyes widened.

Sun Dafu was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing. He pointed at Chen Mo, as if to say something, but was silenced by a cold glare from Zhou Han.

Master Xuanming looked at Chen Mo, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. There was surprise, confusion, and perhaps even a barely perceptible hint of...regret?

He scrutinized the boy again, trying to find any pretense or reluctance on his face, but all he saw was a calm and composed demeanor.

"You...do you really think so?"

Master Xuanming asked slowly, his tone warmer than before.

"Yes."

Chen Mo nodded, his gaze sincere.

"Xiu'er is exceptionally talented. To have won the favor of a True Immortal is her good fortune and the glory of our entire village. I only wish her a smooth journey in the Immortal Sect and dare not have any other desires. As for me... I would be fortunate enough to live out my days peacefully in the village."

These words were sincere, reasonable, and well-founded, both expressing their own choice and saving face for all parties involved.

Master Xuanming remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded:

Everyone has their own aspirations, and we cannot force them. It is commendable that you possess such filial piety and self-awareness.

He paused, then took out a warm, lustrous blue jade pendant from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mo.

"This is the token of our Tianxuan Sect's outer sect."

Although you are not a member of my sect, we are still destined to meet today.

"If you change your mind about this jade token in the future, or encounter difficulties, you can go to the outer gate of Tianxuan Sect and find a steward surnamed Zhou. He will help you as appropriate."

Chen Mo was taken aback, not expecting this turn of events. He quickly took the jade pendant with both hands; it was warm to the touch. The front was engraved with the two characters "Tian Xuan," and the back had a cloud pattern.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Master!"

Chen Mo bowed deeply once again.

Master Xuanming waved his hand, said no more, and turned to Wang Laoshuan and the villagers:

"It's getting late, so we'll take our leave now. Xiuer, Sun Dafu, board the boat."

"Little Brother Mo!"

Xiuer's eyes reddened, she broke free from the female disciple's hand, ran to Chen Mo, and handed him a small cloth bag.

"These are the pancakes my mother made for me. Keep them! I...I'll come back to see you!"

Chen Mo took the cloth bag, still warm from her body, and smiled as he ruffled her hair:

"Focus on your cultivation and don't worry about the village. Go now."

Xiuer nodded vigorously, turning back every few steps as she walked toward the jade-white flying boat that was already suspended in the air.

Sun Dafu climbed up arrogantly, and even gave Chen Mo a disdainful look.

Master Xuanming, Zhou Han, and another female disciple gracefully boarded the boat.

The flying boat flashed with light and slowly rose into the air, getting faster and faster until it turned into a point of light on the horizon and disappeared.

The village entrance remained silent for a long time.

The villagers looked at Chen Mo with complicated expressions. Old Wang sighed and patted Chen Mo on the shoulder:

"Xiao Mo...you child...sigh, it's alright, it's more peaceful to stay in the village."

"Village chief, I'm alright."

Chen Mo revealed his usual gentle smile.

"I think staying in the village is fine."

"Ding!"

[The quest "Choice of Heaven" - The Crossroads of the Path - Completed!]

[Rewards: 1500 Experience Points, 1 Blueprint for the Special Building "Spirit Gathering Herb Hut (Beginner)", 1 Permission to Cultivate Spirit Field (Half an Acre), 1 Title "Guardian of the Homeland".]

The "Guardian of the Homeland" title is equipped, increasing the training efficiency of all skills by 5% within the "Toilet Village" area.

[New Main Quest Activated: Creating a Hidden Paradise (Phase 1)]

[Task Description: The path to immortality has been rejected; forge your own way. Using Matongli Village as your base, utilize existing resources to gradually create your own sanctuary for cultivation. Phase One: Within three months, successfully construct a "Spirit Gathering Cottage (Beginner)" and cultivate a "Spirit Field (Half an Acre)."]

[Task Rewards: 3000 Experience Points, "Simple Concealing Breath Array" Setup Instructions x1, Spirit Herb Seeds (Qi Gathering Grass) x10.]

The daily task system has been adapted to the new environment, with new task categories such as "Resource Collection," "Building Construction," and "Spirit Plant Cultivation" added...

A series of prompts flashed before my eyes.

A genuine, hearty smile appeared on Chen Mo's lips.

He weighed the cloth bag left by Xiuer in his hand, then touched the cool blue jade pendant in his bosom, turned around, and walked towards his dilapidated hut in the most remote corner of the village.

Their steps were light, filled with an unprecedented sense of ease and anticipation.

Immortal Sect?

Whoever wants to go can go.

Chen Mo is determined to carve out his own immortal paradise in this village of toilets!

The sunlight shone on the bluestone pavement, casting his shadow long.

In the distance, the sounds of blacksmiths hammering, millstones grinding in the tofu shop, children playing, and women chatting...

The familiar, vibrant atmosphere of life enveloped him once again.

This is his way.

Hidden in the city, rooted in his hometown, he worked diligently and steadily, making his plans step by step.

Pushing open the creaking courtyard gate, Chen Mo stepped into his small courtyard.

The old locust tree in the corner of the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze.

He looked up at the sky, then at the ground beneath his feet, and took a deep breath.

Within the dantian, the five-colored vortex, guided by the "Returning Dragon to Origin Technique," was slowly rotating at an unprecedented, steady, and efficient pace.

A faint, almost imperceptible aura of spiritual energy from heaven and earth was quietly gathering towards him through the profound sensations brought about by the new cultivation technique.

It's slow, but very steady.

Just like the path he chose.

A new routine begins.

Chen Mo rolled up his sleeves, scooped a ladle of water from the water vat, and poured it on the few half-dead wild vegetables in the corner of the wall.

[Daily Task: Take care of crops (completed), experience points +5]

Then he walked to the woodpile, picked up the axe, and began chopping wood.

[Daily Task: Stockpile Firewood (In Progress), Current Progress: 3/20]

The axe fell, and the firewood split open with a clean cut.

Chen Mo's movements were skillful and steady, and his breathing and movements subtly matched a certain rhythm of the "Returning Dragon to Origin Technique".

He could sense that, with the blessing of the title "Guardian of the Homeland," even the basic power-generating skill of chopping wood, which he had practiced countless times, seemed to be improving at a slightly faster pace.

It's very faint, but it definitely exists.

If you seek longevity, the path is right beneath your feet.

And he has already embarked on the path that suits him best.

The sound of chopping wood echoed rhythmically on the edge of the quiet village in the afternoon.